The shower base, also commonly known as shower pan or shower tray, forms the base of a shower enclosure. It is the floor on which you stand while you take a shower. This usually serves two purposes. One, it has inbuilt drainage outlets that drain water from the floor of the shower enclosure into your plumbing and two, it provides strength and a firm base to the enclosure. The floor has the drains on corners, near the shower area and at other strategic locations. It is inclined slightly in such a manner that the water does not get collect at any point and flows into the drains directly. These are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic glass. Sometimes, in case of customized enclosures, these shower bases can be made of composite molded substances in order to give them a look of stone and/or marble. They are also coated with a special material to make the floor surface non-slippery.
A very popular idea is to first lay down a single layer of deck mud (which is essentially a combination of sand and cement) and then to fix the shower pan into this. It will ensure that the pan is supported 100% and will lead to ease in installation of walls and doors of the enclosure. It will also help in leveling the ground area of the shower unit. Although the expensive versions of modern shower enclosures are unlikely to flex, this method can still be employed for added security. The shape of acrylic shower base is usually rectangular or circular and it is available in wide range of colors with various finish options to choose from. The details can vary according to customer specifications and customization of the product. Most online stores dealing with showers and other bathroom fixtures, offer the sale of shower pans. The prices are based on strength, size and material used. Average price of these products ranges between $ 250 and $ 400. The user must know the exact size of the floor area for which the pan is needed otherwise it can lead to problems of water leakage in the later stages.
Durability
Actual Swanstone shower bases – which have artificial granite component – are of two types. While one type is significantly cheap in the market, the other one is comparatively expensive but it is so because it comes with a guarantee of authentic material. These are heavy in weight and have already installed “feet” so that the user does not have to bother with installing bedding in the gypcrete. Another category includes neo angle shower bases that are meant for enclosure confined to a corner of the bathroom area. These often tend to be in triangular shape – with slight variations – and are smaller and more space efficient than their elaborate counterparts. These are made of the same material.
Another important feature of these pans is that they are low on maintenance. Since most of them are coated with stain and dust resistant materials, it is very simple to clean and sustain. The only frequent problem that occurs with these showers is the sprouting of moulds and mildew in case of gross negligence. This can be addressed by regular maintenance. In addition, the water might get clogged at the shower base, leading to the formation of a pool of water while you are still showering. To address this, a regular checking and opening of all the drain holes (points) is a must. During the course of installation, please devote special attention to the joints between the wall tiling and the shower floor. Any failure in proper joining can lead to water penetration problems.
